Bedazzling New Yorkers since 2005, the Great Jack O’ Lantern Blaze returns to both the Hudson Valley and Long Island this year. At each location, you'll be able to walk through the glow of thousands of artfully carved jack o'lanterns, as you soak up the fall vibes. The event kicks off in mid-September and will have a two-month run at each location — you'll want to buy tickets soon because they'll vanish faster than that ghost that's lurking behind you right now.

For the uninitiated, the event features around 7,000 pumpkins, many carved by hand and made to represent things like classic works of art, historic landmarks, spoooooky sights, life-sized dinosaurs, fields of sunflowers, and even an LIRR train and our very own subway system. As you explore the grounds you'll also enjoy lighting synchronized to an original soundtrack created for the event.

Things will kick off this year at the 18-century Van Cortlandt Manor in Croton-on-Hudson, where the Blaze will begin on September 15th. A week later, things will light up on Long Island on September 22nd at Old Bethpage Village Restoration in Nassau County. And don't miss Cafe Blaze while you're there, which will have cider donuts and pumpkin beer on tap.

New displays this year include a mythical Montauk mermaid and the first-ever pumpkin Ferris wheel. (Sadly, the Big Duck was once again not included this year.) 

Both Metro-North and the LIRR can get you close to those pumpkin trails, but please note that there is a 15-minute walk (or short car ride) to the Hudson Valley event from the station, and about a 10-minute car ride from the Long Island stations to the event.

The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze Hudson Valley will run from September 15th through November 19th this year, while the Long Island location will run from September 22nd through November 5th. Tickets range from $24 to $40. More details at pumpkinblaze.org.